Another worthwhile point is that many of the figures showing no difference or worse injury whilst wearing a helmet don’t take into account fit and fastening of helmets… rather than any tangible research, but plucked from my sweaty crack, 48% of helmet wearers don’t have a correctly fitting lid.

Even though I’ve lost a tooth whilst wearing a full face helmet, apart from a lust for controversy or a streak of self loathing, I can’t see any reason why anyone wouldn’t wear a helmet.

Use your melon[/url]

Could it be that manufacturers got wise to consumerism… if things don’t wear out, you don’t need to replace them.

Also in general the riding we do these days is likely more demanding than back in the day.

I’ve done the TCL (1st stage) with Glenmore Lodge, also in Aviemore and can thoroughly recommend them too, especially since food and accomodation is included, along with trails ‘on campus’~ the course itself is good fun and certainly gets you thinking… it’s one thing to be able to ride for yourself, but thinking how to educate and motivate others is a stimulating challenge.

For the TCL, I wouldn’t worry too much about steezy skills… its pretty basic, though the MBL brings in a fair few more elements, but its still fairly fundamental to a keen rider.

Depending where you are based, you may be able to get partial or full funding… I left it too late to get re-imbursed for the training course, but got 50% back for the first aid and assessment.

Have fun!!

Like, guys, erm, how about we all imbibe a little herbal tea, reminisce on great days at one with the trail and lust after bike jewellry in a non consumerist fashion, yeah?

Interesting chainstays!! Going by the look of the shock, I’m sorry to inform you that this looks likely to be a generic cheapy, styled a bit like a Kona, albeit with a horst pivot.

Surely those chainstays are stuffed, so maybe best to blag a refund.

Reckon this’ll be a similar issue to a Alu seatpost in a steel frame~ something to do with electrolytic potential or similar if my brain is working… anyway, you could try soaking all the nipples in Coca-Cola or phosphoric acid if you want to keep the rim, or caustic soda, or ammonia if the rim is history~ be a right fart mind, so probs best cutting and replacing.

From Abubaca’s and Fakies to XC epics, with a dusting of Full Bore DH…

Also never ridden one, but can thoroughly recommend http://bike4.co.uk/%5B/url%5D… although the website doesn’t show it, Mark has loads of experience in building all sorts of trikes, well worth contacting him if you’re in the market for a recumbent.

As far as I’m concerned, tubeless running strips or ghetto has the following pros:

No Pinch Flats
Less penetration punctures~ of ones I’ve been aware of 80% have been self sealing with a bit of a jiggle
More comfortable ride (less arm pump)
More grip

and cons:

can be a pain to get tyre seated in the 1st place
If you get a major hole or tear in the tyre on the trail (which would likely result in an irrepairable tube in a normal set-up), you will have to fit a tube.

Most of the time weight savings will be neglible, though they can be an added bonus.

I’s say the 17.5 for sure: you’re keeping the same reach and gaining valuable clearance for your danglies.

Unless you are a heavily experienced downhiller, I’d stick with Fort William~ there is alot more variety available there: XC trails, 4x, Gondola “Red” route and the DH itself, whereas Glencoe is more of a one (beast of a) trail wonder.

Crazy as it sounds, the quickest way to re-index it is to just get nasty with it… grip the orifice plate and using the adjuster on the top for leverage, click it around until it aligns correctly.

http://www.parcelmonkey.co.uk/

also, being as they rarely measure, if you are close there is an optimum size to input… no more than 130cm as the maximum dimension could save you almost £20~ £7 all in instead of £25ish… have a toy about if it comes up expensive.

Blimey, alot of evil going on today~ anyone would think it was 6:06 on 06/06

Sometimes the indexing in the motion control goes iffy… the bottom of the compression adjuster rod is forked and the orifice plate can sometimes jump out and either completely negate the lockout or reverse it in relation to the knob.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Wellgo-Magnesium-MTB-BMX-Pedal-MG1-MG-1-White-/190518505715?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=item2c5bc9b0f3

Save about 200g on alot of traditional flats (though new generation are catching on) and save plenty pennies too

Floating rotors dissipate heat better, braided hoses are more supple (better for routing in GGGGnarly slopestyle fashion) but unless you are rocking tailwhips down alpine trails, or mincing alluringly on the catwalk, you probably won’t notice muc difference, but for a sense of acheivement at spending more money on posh bits.

So… I’m living in Kinlochleven for the moment~ anyone willing to share experiences of rides in the area~ in particular, got my eye on the Na Gruagaichean ridge.